We recently connected with Pashley and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Pashley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned how to apply makeup professionally gradually over many years. My first experiences with makeup occurred in high school while I was on a dance team. Dancers know that makeup is a MUST for recitals. Our dance coach coordinated a “makeup class” with one of the veteran dancers to teach us the signature makeup look for our team. While I was not the best at applying my makeup for dance recitals, it definitely sparked my interest in this creative world. In those years, I would have never thought of becoming a professional makeup artist and starting my own business. However, after applying makeup on friends and family a few years later, I discovered the passion I had for this industry. I then began researching and watching many YouTube tutorials on proper makeup application. I also eventually enrolled in an accredited makeup academy (Glam Sophisticated Makeup Academy) to become a certified makeup artist and have proper education to provide the best service for my clients. If I could have changed anything to speed up my learning process, I would have enrolled into a makeup academy sooner. YouTube is a great resource, but many of the videos are simply teaching you how to apply makeup on yourself and not on others. Therefore, many important topics are missed such as sanitation, cross-contamination, color theory, determining best products for all skin types, etc. I believe the most essential skill is being able to work on all skin tones and skin types. The obstacles that stood in the way of my learning were often self-doubt and fear of taking a risk. I was often afraid of what others would say or afraid that if I invested into education it would come back empty handed (thinking that I would just be re-learning what I already knew from YouTube). Thankfully, I was able to shut down those negative thoughts and take that leap of faith.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a professional makeup artist who specializes in bridal and event makeup. I entered into this industry unexpectedly after a friend asked me to do her makeup for fun. That one makeup look created a ripple effect, where other friends began asking as well. Fast forward to the present, I have now been applying makeup professionally for nearly four years. I offer makeup services that range from natural glam to dramatic glam. What sets me apart from others in the field, is my faith. I believe in doing everything with love as stated in 1 Corinthians 16:14. My goal is not only to help you achieve your desired makeup look, but also to ensure you leave my chair feeling better than how you entered. I am most proud of being a Kingdom business owner. I’ll elaborate by saying that this business is dedicated to God and I see it as a ministry. It’s much more than just makeup products, tools, brushes, etc. It’s an opportunity for me to connect with my clients and be a living testimony of what God has done in my life.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a makeup artist is the joy that my clients feel at the end of a makeup application. It is of great honor when a client books me and trusts me to help them achieve their look for their special day. Seeing their reaction just makes every bit of hard work worth it.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I have many goals driving my creative journey, but one important goal I have is creating a network of harmony between other makeup artists. I am a firm believer in collaboration over competition. There is more than enough business to go around. We currently live in a world where many people are consistently comparing themselves to others and hindering their own growth as a result of discouragement. I aspire to create a community where we lift up other creatives in this industry and collaborate to work on new projects together that are beneficial to our clients. I will always strive for the growth and edification of others. Everyone is running at their own pace in this race of entrepreneurship. What matters most is that you are making progress not how fast you are going.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @makeup.bypash
• Facebook: Makeup by Pash
• Other: TikTok: @makeupbypash

Image Credits

Iris Gonzalez